Tag Archives: Capsule Reviews

This is Spinal Tap (Fathom Entertainment) Review


This is Spinal Tap is a grandeur of brilliance that is filled with classic moments. Rob Reiner’s early project has led to more audiences over the years. This mockumentary/rockumentary is one for the ages. While the various moving parts and witty characterizations seem improved, in the end it is all about how the film holds up over time. It may seem by some as low-quality, but I found the quality mesmerizing in this story which still has momentum. Revisiting this masterpiece on the big screen brought back lots of forgotten nostalgia thanks to the old footage in restoration mode.

With Reiner playing the lead of Marty DiBergi and directing, it is a film that despite struggles with marketing has become a sensation. The story about an unruly band of misfits holds appeal fo all generations. The tour is filled with trials and errors as the group that keeps trying to achieve success. The picture that is painted is realistic while maintaining clever humor and outstanding continuity. “Spinal Tap” is the group’s name. Many of the members continue down the road of hoping for stardom as they showcase their creativity. Along the way, they must overcome various plateaus that arise during their tour.

The group is dubbed one of, “England’s loudest bands.” The film feels loud due to the humorous and clever aspects that fuel the comedy and narrative. Even though this was filmed during Reiner’s early days of filmmaking, he created a masterpiece. Interested fans can learn about the details of the film and its release from Reiner himself with the screening hosted by Fathom Events. For those who want to relive the moments of This is Spinal Tap with higher quality, in-depth cinematography, this event is not to be missed. Rock and Roll with grainy fun that is taken to new heights. Four out of four stars for This is Spinal Tap.

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)


This film paints a portrait of what reality is like for a younger individual to be faced with poverty. On some level this truthful portrait hurts, but at the same time, it is eerie. Written and directed by Embeth Davidtz, she is legendary as she also plays one of the leads. The pacing of the film in an austere setting is done artfully. The harsh environment spirals to reveal honesty.

The film is based on a memoir focused on a young girl named Bobo (played by Lexi Venter) who tells the story. Bobo is an eight-year-old living with her family on a Rhodesian (now Zimbwawe) farm. At a very young age, she is exposed to extreme poverty. Her mother is Mrs. Fuller (Davidtz). The film highlights hardship and politics in an era before technological advancements.

What came to mind while watching this film was the theme of working hard for a purpose. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight portrays inequality in a realistic way that creates empathy. The story demonstrates resilience. It is by far one of the best features presenting the effects of poverty during childhood. The film’s subject is a great discussion starter, because the audience gets to see the world through the eyes of an eight-year-old surroundedby drugs, harsh language, and parents who provoke objectionable behavior in a country where harsh conditions are the norm. When seeing this film at The Chicago Critics Film Festival, it moved me to think more politically and empathetically.

Brother Verses Brother (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)


This is one of those rare masterpieces where humanistic value hits the championship level due to an intertwining connection. Brother Verses Brother, written and directed by Ari and Ethan Gold, is an enthralling narrative in which musical tones and beats find meaning in unexpected corners. Much of this engrossing film is improvised which knocks it out of the ballpark. The vibing ride of music ebbing and flowing and the dynamics fading in and out spark feelings poetically.

The film’s inspiration is based upon family tales to the Gold brothers. It is also inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s narrative of live cinema. The pacing of Brother Verses Brother is under the control of Ari and Ethan while finding their paths in San Francisco. Family emotions and all kinds of memories make the movie tremble. When scenarios run deep, the music abounds. While this film is much like Once, Brother Verses Brother has more continuity that requires audiences to change gears repeatedly. The deep writing does not stop throughout all the mesmerizing ups and downs of the Gold brothers in Brother Verses Brother.

The film’s music is a combination of pieces from Ari and Ethan along with tracks from Brian Bell and Lara Louise. It is a journey of musical people connecting to two brothers finding themselves and experiencing tons of growth along the way. The changes the brothers go through in Brother Verses Brother makes the movie hum. Their creativity gives them a sense of power and curiosity to expand to even more positive influences. By far, one of the best narratives of the year. This is a film that is for all artists around the world. The musical component and sharing of artistic crafts are just spectacular. Four out of four stars for Brother Verses Brother.